From the glittering opulence of 19th-century fancy dress balls to the spirited mischief of modern Halloween nights, Richmonders have long embraced the power of costume to entertain and transform. Opening May 10, 2025, the Valentine invites the public to explore this rich tradition in its highly anticipated exhibition, FANCY: Costumes, Characters and the Richmond Masque.
FANCY marks the museum’s first Costume & Textiles exhibition in five years, showcasing an eclectic and captivating array of garments, accessories, and ephemera that highlight the city’s vibrant culture of costumed celebration. Through the lens of masquerade and disguise, visitors will discover how Richmonders have used clothing to blur the lines between reality and fantasy—for fun, for protest, and for performance.
“This exhibition is both a celebration of creativity and a powerful reflection of our city’s identity,” said Nichol Gabor, the Nathalie L. Klaus Curator of Costume & Textiles. “Whether in the glow of a stage spotlight or running down Monument Avenue, Richmonders know how to put on a show and to unite together in a common cause: to come as they aren’t.”
The exhibition features an exciting mix of costumes and community voices from the 19th century to modern day. From extravagant fancy dress costumes – each with its own unique story – to contemporary pieces from a wide range of Richmond’s cultural icons and events including: GWAR, the Branch Museum’s Mad Hatter auction, Brown Ballerinas for Change, the Cone Parade, the Monument Avenue 10k, the Oregon Hill All Saints Theatre Parade, the Richmond Ballet, local drag queens including Sweet Pickles and Alvion Davenport, and many more.
“This is also a reintroduction of the Valentine’s Costume & Textiles collection which includes approximately 10,000 objects,” says Valentine Director Bill Martin, “These everyday items can tell us intimate stories about a person’s life here in Richmond. We’re excited to once again share some of these stories in FANCY.”
FANCY: Costumes, Characters and the Richmond Masque invites visitors of all ages to celebrate the playfulness, pageantry, and personality that costumes bring to our shared experiences. Through this exhibition, the Valentine once again serves as a mirror to Richmond’s dynamic community—creative, expressive, and always a little unexpected.
Join the Valentine to celebrate this exhibition with free admission all day on Sunday, May 11, 2025. For more information, including ticketing and visiting hours, please visit the Valentine’s website at thevalentine.org or call, 804.649.0711.
